Berkeley Eye Center - Houston LASIK and Eye Care

Berkeley Eye Center - Houston LASIK and Eye Care

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Your Top EVO ICL Questions, Answered
  • Learn about the procedure, recovery, and overall safety
  • Find out how long your vision correction lasts
  • Understand the risks, side effects, and costs
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EVO ICL™: Frequently Asked Questions

Considering the EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer® Lens) as your path to clearer vision? It’s natural to have questions about this advanced LASIK alternative. The team at Berkeley Eye Center has compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our Houston patients have about the EVO ICL procedure, recovery, safety, cost, and more.

We believe in empowering you with information. If your question isn’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific situation with our knowledgeable team.

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About the EVO ICL Lens & Procedure

The EVO ICL is made from Collamer®, a unique, technologically advanced lens material exclusive to STAAR Surgical. Collamer is biocompatible, meaning it works in harmony with your eye’s natural chemistry. It’s also flexible and contains collagen, plus it naturally offers UV protection.

The procedure involves placing the soft, flexible lens inside your eye, behind the iris and in front of your natural lens, through a tiny corneal opening. It’s an additive procedure – no corneal tissue is removed. The procedure itself is typically painless thanks to numbing eye drops. Some patients might feel slight pressure, but not pain. It usually takes less than 20-30 minutes for both eyes.

No. The EVO ICL is designed to remain inside your eye indefinitely and requires no daily maintenance like traditional contact lenses. While it’s removable by your surgeon if needed, it functions as a permanent vision correction solution for everyday life.

No. The EVO ICL is positioned behind your iris (the colored part of your eye), so it is invisible to both you and observers.

Candidacy & Suitability

Ideal candidates are typically between 21-45 years old with stable moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia), with or without astigmatism. It’s an excellent option for those who may not be ideal LASIK candidates due to factors like high prescriptions or thin corneas. Good general eye health is also required.

Currently, the EVO ICL models approved in the U.S. are primarily indicated for correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism. Options like LASIK, PRK, or RLE may be considered for farsightedness. Discuss your specific needs during your consultation.

The FDA-approved age range is typically 21 to 45. This ensures eye maturity and visual stability before the procedure.

Recovery & Results

Recovery is generally quick. Many patients notice improved vision almost immediately after the short procedure. Initial recovery involves using prescribed eye drops and wearing protective shields, especially at night. Most patients can resume normal daily activities within a few days, though strenuous activities and swimming should be avoided for a short period as advised by your doctor. Vision typically stabilizes over the first few weeks.

The EVO ICL lens is designed to provide permanent vision correction; it does not degrade or expire within the eye. However, like LASIK or PRK, it does not prevent natural age-related eye changes such as presbyopia (need for reading glasses after 40) or the development of cataracts later in life.

Many patients report significantly clearer vision almost immediately or by the day after the procedure. Full visual stabilization and achieving your final, optimal vision may take a few days to a few weeks as your eyes adapt.

Safety, Risks & Side Effects

Yes, EVO ICL is considered a very safe and effective procedure with over 3 million implants worldwide and approval from stringent bodies like the FDA and U.S. Military. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries potential risks, although significant complications are rare. Potential risks can include infection, inflammation, increased eye pressure, need for repositioning, halos/glare (often temporary), or, very rarely, cataract development. A thorough pre-operative evaluation and choosing an experienced surgeon minimizes these risks.

No. Unlike laser vision correction procedures that reshape the cornea and can affect surface nerves, EVO ICL is placed inside the eye and does not involve corneal reshaping. Therefore, it does not typically cause or worsen dry eye syndrome, making it an excellent option for patients prone to dry eyes.

Some patients may experience temporary halos or glare around lights, particularly at night, during the initial adaptation period. For most, this diminishes significantly over time as the eye and brain adjust. The advanced design of the EVO ICL aims to minimize these effects.

Cost & Affordability

The cost of EVO ICL is generally higher than LASIK due to the cost of the advanced, custom-made implantable lens. Like LASIK, it is typically considered an elective procedure and not covered by most insurance plans. However, Berkeley Eye Center offers financing options (CareCredit, Alphaeon) and accepts FSA/HSA payments to make it more affordable.

EVO ICL questions

Still Have Questions About EVO ICL?

We encourage you to learn as much as possible. The best way to get answers tailored to your specific eyes and vision goals is through a consultation.

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Explore More About EVO ICL

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